16 Aug 2016

What is Liverpool's current transfer priority? The left-back position is clearly a massive issue for the Reds, but defensive midfield is an equally important role to fill, and new reports suggest that Jurgen Klopp is making a concerted effort to recruit a DM before the upcoming transfer deadline.

In July, Liverpool were linked with a €15m move for Inter Milan star Gary Medel, and according to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Serra today:

* Liverpool have made contact with Inter Milan, and submitted an official offer for Medel.

* The depends on what happens with team-mate Marcelo Brozovic, who is keen on a move to Juventus.

Some info about Medel:

* 29-year old defensive-midfielder, who can also play in central defence.

* Integral part of Chile's two Copa America teams (2015 and 2016). Made the 2015 Copa America 'Team of the Tournament'.

* Jul 2014: * Ivan Zamorano's assessment: "He's a complete midfielder [who] never leaves the field without having given everything. He reminds me of [Diego] Simeone for the way he can lift his teammates".

* Apr 2015: Roberto Mancini raved: “Medel is an extraordinary player in front of the defence. He has a heart the size of a house and wins back numerous balls. If we didn’t have him, we’d really struggle.”

In my view, Medel is a great option, and I'd wholeheartedly support this transfer:

* Like Luis Suarez (and many South American footballers) Medel is incredibly tough and robust, and at the age of 29, he's only missed one game through injury for his entire career.

* Having watched Medel extensively on the international stage (I prefer high-level international football to club football), and for Inter, he is a tenacious competitor, and will bring much-needed steel to Liverpool's midfield.

* With 95 caps, Medel brings fantastic international experience, and that will serve him will in the Premier League. Plus, players like Can, Stewart etc will be able to learn from that experience.

* Superb passing accuracy/ball retention. Averages 89%-92% accuracy over the last 5 years, and loses possession only once every 136 mins (which is better than any midfielder in Liverpool's current squad).

* The downside with Medel is his disciplinary record. He averages 11 yellow cards a season (for the last four years), and at least one red card per year.

Medel may be 29, but he's in the prime of his career, and the risk vs. reward ratio is arguably in Liverpool's favour. I wouldn't expect him to be an everpresent in the team, but he'd be a fantastic option to have in the squad. Worth pursuing?